How to Stay Grounded in Career Chaos

You find yourself at work, and you see the storm clouds gathering. Budgets are being slashed. Leadership is losing focus on the goals they had laid out. Teammates are being shuffled to other departments—or worse, out the door.

Chaos in your career appears on the horizon.

What can you do about it?

Here’s what I want you to know: Policies are going to change, leaders are going to change. And maintaining your foundation is key to navigating chaos.

Even if the company has lost sight of its why—its reason for being in business—that doesn’t mean you need to lose your why.

How can you master the chaos swirling around you, unravel it, and make it work for you?

Your Why is Your Anchor

When everything feels unstable, your why keeps you grounded. It’s the reason you show up each day, the thing that gives your work purpose beyond just a paycheck. It’s the foundation that holds strong even when the company’s direction wavers.

If you’ve never clearly defined your why, now is the time to do it. Think about what drew you to your work in the first place. Was it helping others? Was it solving problems?  Was it building something meaningful? Now is the time to reflect on whether that still holds true.

And sometimes, our why evolves. That’s okay. Careers shift, industries change, and what once gave you fulfillment may not be doing it anymore. If you’re feeling disconnected, now is the time to reconnect. Write down what excites you about your work—or what used to excite you. Revisit projects that made you feel engaged. If your current role isn’t aligning with your why, consider how you can bring more of what matters into your daily work.

When chaos swirls around you, return to this foundation. Keep your why visible—post it on your desk, put it in your phone’s notes, or remind yourself of it before big decisions.

Small Wins Build Stability

In times of upheaval, it’s easy to feel powerless. When things seem out of control, leaning in on small wins can help you regain a sense of stability.

Small wins aren’t about solving everything at once. What they do is help you find momentum in the middle of uncertainty. What can you accomplish today that moves you forward, even just a little? Maybe it’s responding to a networking email, or organizing your workload, or learning a new skill relevant to your field.

Here’s why small wins matter: they grow over time. They build your confidence, give you a sense of progress, and create tangible proof that you’re still in control of your path. If your company is restructuring or your role is shifting, these wins remind you that you’re still capable, adaptable, and valuable—no matter what’s happening around you.

And what happens if you’re feeling stuck? Then start even smaller. Success for you can be as simple as showing up, making a phone call, or taking five minutes to reflect on what you can control.

Expand Your Vision Beyond the Present

When your career feels uncertain, zooming out can help. This is just one moment in time. One role. One company. One chapter in a much larger story.

Consider this: Where do you want to be in a year? Five years? If the current chaos in your workplace is making you feel powerless, ask yourself: Is this the place I want to grow? If the answer is yes, then focus on how you can strengthen your position. If the answer is no, then this might be the push you need to start exploring what’s next.

This doesn’t mean making a drastic leap overnight. It means getting curious about what is possible for you. What skills do you want to develop? What industries intrigue you? Who is doing work that excites you?

Take this time to invest in yourself. Sign up for a course. Update your résumé. Talk to people who inspire you about your career. Even if you don’t make a change immediately, expanding your vision makes sure that you’re not only reacting to chaos—you’re proactively shaping your future.

Strengthen Your Support System

You don’t have to—and shouldn’t—navigate career chaos alone. The strongest professionals aren’t the ones who power through solo—they’re the ones who know when to lean on their support system.

Start with your inner circle. Who are the people who truly understand your career aspirations? Reach out to mentors, trusted colleagues, or friends who have been through transitions before. Their perspective can help you see beyond the immediate chaos.

If you don’t have a strong professional network, now is the time to build one. Connect with people in your industry, join professional groups, or find a career coach who can help you gain the clarity you deserve to have.

And remember: support isn’t just about career advice—it’s about having people who remind you of your strengths when the doubts start creeping in.

You Have More Control Than You Think

Even in the uncertain times you may be facing, you are not powerless. You can define your why, focus on small wins, expand your vision, and strengthen your support system. Chaos doesn’t mean the end—it means a shift. And sometimes, that shift leads to something better than you ever imagined.

The storm will come, and the storm will pass. You can trust that you have what it takes to navigate through the tempest, and be in the place you truly want to be.

I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career journey. I’ve written a guide on how to escape the work hamster wheel. Click here to download yours.